First time gun owner looking for help please?

Like most threads of this type, there's been lots of conversation about the guns.
Has there been any conversation as to learning how to use it?
Having one with the idea of using it for defense, requires some serious knowledge on the subject.
Facing a dangerous threat, even with a weapon, isn't the time to wonder what to do next.
 
a 5.5lb trigger isnt something you accidentally find, and pull.
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Sure it is. You don't think that Youtube video of the cop instructing a bunch of kids about his gun intentionally shot himself in the leg, do you. Plenty of examples out there of folks firing Glocks unintentionally. Should it happen? No. Does it happen? Yes.
 
Basic or entry level handguns....

This topic comes up often on this message board and other forums.

In short, depending on your training, skill level and budget, I highly suggest starting with a simple 3" or 4" barrel stainless steel .357magnum or .38spl +P DA(double action) or even better DAO(double action only) 6/7 shot revolver.
Great revolvers like the SP101 DA only .357magnum, the S&W 686+ 3" barrel, the Ruger GP100 .357magnum.
You can train or practice with .38spl then as your marksmanship skills improve, move up to a factory made .38spl +P or +P+ load or a magnum round, ;).
Quality law enforcement trade-ins like the S&W model 64 DA only .38spl or the Ruger GPNY(GP100s made directly for the NYPD) are out there; www.JGsales.com .
If you really want a 9mm(9x19mm) semi auto pistol, I'd start with a hammer fired DA only pistol like the top notch Beretta PX4 Storm C model or the SIG Sauer DAK(Double Action Kessleman, a modified DAO) P229R, P226R or P228R. These SIG models are not cheap but you can also purchase a CPO(pre-owned) model that has been factory serviced/inspected, ;).
The HK P2000 or P30(LEM/law enforcement modified) 9x19mm line are great but like the SIG Sauer/DAKs may be out of your budget range for now.
A hammer fired DA only system is safe and a smart way to avoid ADs/accidents or problems. A DAO type sidearm may also help you avoid bogus or false claims of firing at a violent subject by accident or because of panic. Many US and Canada police agencies use DA only sidearms for these reasons.
For 9x19mm protection rounds, use Ranger T 127gr +P+ JHP, Hornady TAP or Critical Defense, the Magsafe SWAT load, the Speer Gold Dot 124gr +P JHP, the Remington Golden Saber 124gr JHP +P bonded, Corbon DPX load, Federal EFMJ 9mm.

Clyde
ps; for cleaning-storage; see Mpro7's new LPX, Gunzilla, Eezox, Ballistol or Weaponshield. A Boresnake Viper helps too; www.Brownells.com .
 
no such thing as one gun fits all

Lithnights,

You have entered into a conundrum. Most here have many guns for different occasions and no one can agree on a caliber or brand much less one gun that is perfect for all the situations you describe. The reason there are so many sizes of frames and calibers is to fit a specific need.

You do recognize a need and you can find something that will protect you. I think you need to decide what is most important to you and find a gun that does that very well and then, if you want only 1, make it fit the situation as best you can.

I do not profess to be an expert, I do have some life experiences it includes a badge and an FFl long ago.

If conceal carry is your primary need, it can be carried and put on your nightstand. you will need to practice on a regular basis. I don't promote a pistol as a first and only weapon. But it seems to be the best for all things you want. I wouldn't recommend anything with a laser-you are showing your enemy where you are. If you do, you better get everyone with the first shot.

If home protection is the priority, then a shotgun is a good choice as you won't need to be a crack shot to cover an area and down an intruder.

I know you didn't mention a shotgun but it is good for home defense for many reasons. If you discharge your weapon in your house at night, you will get one shot off. You and everyone else in the room will be deaf and temporarily blinded. The military has used #4 buckshot in the past and think they know something about what puts down an enemy. Buckshot also looses a good bit of its killing power after it penetrates sheetrock. A high powered pistol can be a killer to others in another room or neighbor.

For all the above, I would suggest you buy a small revolver, 9mm or higher but less than a 357. Revolvers are dependable and ready. I would also buy a 18 1/2 inch shotgun for home. This can be done within or close to your budget.

Good luck and practise
 
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Glock 26 with 10, 15, or 33 round mag.

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most 1st time gun owners won't carry a Glock with one in the chamber
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Actually my wife does.

I would suggest you buy a small revolver
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Thats what they(saleperson) kept saying to my wife just before she would tell them(salesperson)off.Get what you want within reason,and train (minus ammo in the gun)at home and train at a range with others who are willing to treat you with respect.

Sig,Glock,and Smiths are what i would recommend.Btw if you like the S&W 39 series but can't find one look up the S&W 6906.

Look around and learn everything you can and when you get ready to buy,try this website out. www.summitgunbroker.com.
 
This is such a personal thing that, when you ask 20 people what the "best" gun (whatever that means) is, you often get 25 different personal answers. What is the "best" flavor of ice cream? ;)

1. how does the gun fit your hand - glocks are hugely reliable but they don't feel good in my hand as an example.
2. what caliber do you want? There is data, up to an including FBI penetration data, all over the net on what the best caliber is. This discussion can trigger a firestorm of disagreement (it oftens starts as a discussion but never winds up that way)
3. First time owner but have you shot much? Recoil is can be a deciding factor.
4. Is cost a factor? My first pistol is a Sig P226 and is was significantly more expensive than anything else I looked at. This was 20 years ago but that decision was the right one. I paid the high price once and have enjoyed the Sig ever since.

When it is all said and done, no one, not family, friends or significant other, can decide for you. To the best of my knowledge, there isn't even any way to weight responses or assign values. It just becomes a visceral thing. I have seen posts where gun owners post of photo of their newest gun, ranting and raving about how good it looks. I look at it and shudder, thinking "this pistol is hideous".

Do you hands on homework, take the advice that you get here with a grain of salt and then buy what you want. Renting guns first is always a great way to start.
 
Firearm choices, shotguns...

I agree with a few of the member statements but take issue with a few also.
A simple, stainless DA or DAO type 3/4" barrel revolver is a much better choice for a new or entry level gun owner over a shotgun or semi-auto pistol.
There are many different calibers & models but a basic LE trade in .38spl or .357magnum revolver can be used until a gun owner feels ready or able to move on to a striker fired or single action pistol or a larger weapon.

I for 1, disagree with using a 12ga shotgun for home protection. Shotguns are larger than handguns, louder and may require 2 hands to operate.
In the fluid, high stress environment of a critical incident, a gun owner/armed citizen should be able to act quickly & safely.
 
Sir you have a point. For HD with a shotgun, a novice or less experienced family member can be in a defensive position inside a designated area and have a longer weapon at the ready.

Not all family members will be together during a home invasion. Use of a handgun for searching the home while GETTING TO A LOVED ONE would be preferred by someone with training. If the family is all together, maintaining a defensive positive, calling 911, and keeping a weapon at the ready is preferred.

Proper training is the key - with a shotgun or a handgun.
 
For the criteria you named, I think one of these would be ideal for you:

Glock 19

S&W M&P compact

Beretta SR9 Compact
 
Just one guy's experience

I vote Glock 19. A lot of people get all hot and bothered one way or the other when it comes to Glocks, but this is the gun I carry all day, every day. It's probably not as easy to carry as some others, but it's a great "in-between" size. They're easy to take care of, easy to shoot well, and easy to carry.

If you go this route, realize that the Glock trigger may take a bit of getting used to. When I first got it I was on the fence; after the 1st 500 or so rounds I was shooting it better than even my dad's beloved .357.

I also think people go crazy over this whole grip angle thing. Put 1,000 rounds through a gun and the grip angle will be second nature.
 
As you can tell, everyone has an opinion. I will tend to agree with Clydefrog. Do not overlook the 2 to 4 inch stainless steel .357's. Having taught novice, youth, and women shooters now for 30 plus years, SIMPLE IS GOOD. I cannot tell you how many new shooters have started with a 3 inch ruger sp 101 of mine, nor will I tell how many I have sold to them. If, after consideration of this option, you still believe you want the semiauto 9mm, then certainly proceed with confidence. The makes and models put forth are very sound in quality and price. I would advise that you go to a dealer with a large selection and find ONE THAT FITS YOU. It's a lot like buying boots, lots of good selections, but your's have to fit you. The XD's set in the hand different from the Glocks, different from the CZ's, different from the Sigs and the Smiths and the Rugers. All Good Guns, find the one that fits and points most naturally for you. (with EMPTY GUN, sight on target, close eyes, count 10, see if you are still on target) Good luck and welcome to the family.
Tomaz45
 
Sig P239...

This one is on your list. I love mine...small, accurate and built like a tank.

My problem is tht it was my favorite 9mm, until the HK P30 bug bit me. :D

But, don't overlook the 239...accurate, easy to clean, and can take tough usage.
 
"starter guns"....

I think this is where the boxcar goes off the rails with these "what should I get first..." posts.
It's not about what's the best caliber or firearm, it's about what would work best based on the person's budget/skill level/training.
Are shotguns good? Yes. Are Glock or S&W Military and Police series pistols good? Yes. Could a new shooter buy a HK-LEM or SIG Sauer-DAK model? Yes(but it might be costly, :().
The main point is that a well made .357magnum or .38spl +P revolver is a great way to start if they have no formal training or prior skills.

CF
ps; I'd add that if the firearm is for carry or protection; stress, chaos or injury could be a part of the handgun's use in a critical incident.
 
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